cynically

/ˈsɪnɪkli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsɪnɪkli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsi-ni-k(ə-)lē/ (ame, mw)

cynically — adverb

1. with the attitude that everyone else is selfish underneath, so promises, kindnes

1.副詞C1
釋義

with the attitude that everyone else is selfish underneath, so promises, kindness, and good motives should not be trusted.

例句

Reuben smiled cynically when his manager promised that bonuses would arrive by Christmas.

verb + cynically expressing disbelief in a promise

Apinya laughed cynically at the politician's pledge to clean up corruption in the city.

verb + cynically reacting to a public claim

同義詞
  • sceptically

    milder; suggests doubt without assuming bad motives

  • sneeringly

    stronger; adds open contempt and a visible curl of the lip

  • scornfully

    stronger; emphasises looking down on someone or something

反義詞
  • earnestly

    with sincere trust and no hidden doubt

  • naively

    trusting in a way that ignores possible bad motives

文法句型

verb + cynically

cynically + past participle

用法筆記

Often pairs with reaction verbs ('smiled', 'laughed', 'shrugged', 'remarked') or verbs of judgement ('viewed', 'observed', 'wrote'). Distinguish from sense 2: this sense describes a doubting attitude toward other people's motives; sense 2 describes a calculated action that takes advantage of others.

常見錯誤

❌He is cynically about politics.
✅He talks cynically about politics.
💡'cynically' is an adverb, so it needs a verb such as 'talks', 'smiles', or 'writes'; it cannot follow 'be' alone.

2. knowingly using other people's feelings, trust, or suffering as a tool for perso

2.副詞C1
釋義

knowingly using other people's feelings, trust, or suffering as a tool for personal benefit, without caring about the harm caused.

例句

The company cynically used images of hungry children to sell more of its frozen meals.

cynically + verb: exploiting sympathy for profit

Christopher cynically delayed the wedding for two years while still accepting Noa's family's money.

cynically + verb describing a calculated personal action

同義詞
反義詞
  • altruistically

    acting for others' benefit with no self-interest

  • selflessly

    putting another person's needs ahead of your own

文法句型

cynically + verb

cynically + past participle

用法筆記

Subject is usually an organisation, advertiser, government, or scheming individual — someone with power who could choose not to act this way. Frequently passive in journalism ('was cynically timed', 'cynically marketed'). Distinguish from sense 1: that sense is about an attitude or facial reaction; this sense is about a deliberate harmful action.

常見錯誤

❌She cynically when she heard the news.
✅She smiled cynically when she heard the news.
💡the adverb still needs a verb; sense 2 also needs a clear action that takes advantage of someone.